EVENING IN SCHOOL:
TIME FOR YEAR 3 AND YEAR 4 GET AN EXTRA FUN!
OPEN HOUSE: THE FIRST OPEN HOUSE IN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
UNIVERSITY FAIR: DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES , DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE
EVENING IN SCHOOL:
TIME FOR YEAR 3 AND YEAR 4 GET AN EXTRA FUN!
OPEN HOUSE: THE FIRST OPEN HOUSE IN 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
UNIVERSITY FAIR: DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES , DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE
GREETINGS FROM THE PRINCIPAL, VICE PRINCIPAL & THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Welcoming the new students and the whole community in the new Academic Year2024/2025 3
BATIK DAY IN ACG SCHOOL JAKARTA: BATIK ALL THE WAY
CAMP: UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY TO
Secondary students have the opportunity to experience East Java and its culture first hand They have amazing moments and great experience More than just fun, they also collaborate with the student from SMP 3 Malang. Fully unforgettable experiences. 19
The celebration of Batik Day that are more than just use Batik at school the whole day 10 30
PRIMARY CAMP: A MEMORABLE JOURNEY TO BANDUNG
It’s time for the Primary students (Year 5 & Year 6) having their trip to Bandung, a nice city that’s not too far from Jakarta Fun time awaits! 15
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES AT ACH SCHOOL JAKARTA: A DAY OF FUN, SPOOKS AND STYLE
All students are putting on their best costumes on Halloween day at ACG School Jakarta. From spooky to beautiful, the students portraying many characters that are unpredictable.
Dear ACG School Jakarta Community,
“As we enter the final months of this semester, I am delighted to share highlights of recent events and accomplishments in our school. October was filled with enriching experiences that reinforced the vibrant learning community we proudly foster at ACG School Jakarta”
We celebrated Batik Day with enthusiasm, embracing the cultural heritage that unites our diverse school community. Students and staff came together, adorned in beautiful batik designs, showcasing Indonesia's rich traditions and craftsmanship. Moments like these remind us of the importance of cultural appreciation and understanding values that we hold dear as we guide our students to be open-minded global citizens
Our Primary and Secondary students recently embarked on memorable camp adventures Primary students traveled to Bandung and its beautiful surroundings, immersing themselves in hands-on learning experiences amidst nature Meanwhile, our Secondary students took an exciting journey to Malang, including an aweinspiring jeep ride up Mount Bromo at sunrise. These camps are far more than simple excursions; they play an essential role in strengthening relationships among peers, building connections between students and teachers, and even enhancing the bonds with parents through shared stories and new experiences.
Camps allow students to step out of their comfort zones, experience personal growth, and develop resilience and independence. Through teamwork activities, our students learn to trust and rely on one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie that translates back into the school environment. Additionally, time spent in nature encourages mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for the world around us, supporting our mission to nurture compassionate, responsible individuals
We recently held our Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences, a cornerstone event in our academic calendar PTSCs provide valuable insights into each student’s learning journey, allowing parents, teachers, and students to engage in reflective dialogue This feedback is essential not only to track progress but also to support students in setting and achieving personal goals. We encourage our students to embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth a skill that is invaluable as they prepare for their future academic and professional endeavours.
Our student-athletes have been actively participating in various sports competitions, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit. We are especially proud of our ASAC Basketball team, which has demonstrated tremendous skill and sportsmanship in recent tournaments. Participation in sports fosters discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of community qualities that are essential for students as they navigate both the academic and personal challenges they will face throughout their lives
This month, our MUN team participated in events that allowed them to engage with global issues and develop crucial skills such as diplomacy, research, and public speaking. MUN experiences align with our vision of creating innovative problem solvers who are confident in their abilities to make a positive impact in the world We commend our students for their commitment to understanding and addressing complex global challenges and for representing ACG School Jakarta with distinction
At ACG School Jakarta, we believe that comprehensive feedback from teachers, peers, and self-reflection is integral to the learning process. Engaging in continuous feedback cycles empowers students to understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and set realistic goals This approach also prepares them to thrive in a university environment where self-assessment and resilience are critical
In guiding students toward university readiness, we are committed to fostering a holistic approach that considers academic achievement, social development, personal interests, and community involvement. Universities increasingly seek well-rounded individuals who have not only excelled in their studies but have also contributed meaningfully to their communities and pursued diverse interests. By encouraging our students to explore a wide range of activities, we are helping them build a foundation that will serve them well at university and beyond.
As we approach the final weeks of 2024, let us celebrate the achievements of our students and the dedication of our staff. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment where every student has the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and personally. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to nurture the bright futures of our students.
Myles D’ Airelle Principal of ACG School Jakarta
Carmen Murray Vice Principal of ACG School Jakarta
Visit any Primary classroom or outdoor area and the resource you are guaranteed to find is blocks
In fact, whenever I’m asked what the first resource on my own wish list would be, it’s always blocks.
Whether these be large, small or combined with small world resources to create an inspiring ‘story factory’, block play and blocks have long featured as a staple of our learning environments.
However, there are questions we need to ask about blocks, as there are with any resource we provide, including:
Why do we provide blocks for children?
How do they connect blocks with the curriculum?
How do we support learning to unlock their potential?
We all know that young children have a natural desire to construct and create, we see this every day as they use the blocks to build new worlds, amazing structures, collaborate on complex designs and bring their ideas to life, but where does this start and how does it develop over time?
Let’s consider for a moment, reflecting on the work of Harriet Johnson: The Art of Block Building, the types or stages of play we might see as children engage with these versatile resources.
Stage 1: Blocks are carried around, not used for construction
Stage 2: Building begins, mostly rows either horizontal or vertical, with stacking
Stage 3: Bridging, using two blocks with a space between them, connected by a third block
Stage 4: Enclosures, with blocks placed to enclose a space
Stage 5: Designs, patterns and elaborate structures emerge
Stage 6: Large scale co-operation, children plan with a purpose and use what they’ve built
Carmen Murray
Vice Principal of ACG School Jakarta
Of course, we know that as part of their unique learning journey, children will explore, experiment and investigate resources in a myriad of ways and at different times, but these stages give us a clear framework for development
We can see from these just how easily children of different ages can access block play to build their confidence and expertise as they spend more time accessing this openended resource.
Block play offers a wealth of learning opportunities across the curriculum, especially when provided consistently year on year in a variety of contexts, and when combined with the potential for story telling through small world or role play. Here are just a few:
Carmen Murray
Vice Principal of ACG School Jakarta
Physical skills: Fine and gross motor skills, handeye coordination, spatial awareness
Social & emotional skills: Autonomy, initiative, cooperation
Language & literacy skills: Vocabulary, beginnings of story re-call and creative story creations
Mathematical skills: Size, shape, 1-1 correspondence, comparison
Creative skills: Divergent thinking, imagination
Scientific skills: Similarities & differences, balance, cause and effect
The key to unlocking the potential of any resource we offer is our understanding of child development and how children’s innate desire to experiment supports learning over time along with our knowledge of the curriculum.
Both of these strands guide how we interact with children as they experiment and create As we play alongside children in the block area we: Observe and take note of their key interests and fascinations
Respond to their requests and ideas
Sensitively suggest possibilities to extend their play and thinking
Model language and extend vocabulary
Support with the development of imaginative play
As we role model we are able to:
Model how to think aloud by making comments such as ‘I’ve not thought about that before’, ‘You’ve really made me think about ’ , ‘How might I…’
As we sensitively raise questions our purpose is to: Stimulate ideas and add challenge with questions such as ‘What do you notice about?’, ‘I wonder how?’
And when we are able to mobilise ourselves to teach effectively in these ways, we can unlock the power of our provision.
Kieran Pascoe
IBDP Coordinator of ACG School Jakarta
Dear ACG Parents, Students, and Families,
We’ve had a wonderful start to the new academic year for the senior cohorts. You may have read online that we had some extremely strong IBDP results from our May 2024 cohort, averaging well over the global average score and with a top score of 41 from Sana. This was an amazing achievement and placed her in the top 4% of students globally. We’re confident that our current cohorts are on track for some excellent results this May.
We have just returned from an extremely productive DP Retreat in Bogor. We took 48 students and did intensive workshops and teambuilding activities, ending with a lovely hike to a waterfall in Sentul. I’d like to express my thanks to all the students and parents for their support, and Ms. Parker, Ms. Dina, Mr. Chris and Mr. Kumar for participating and running sessions. We’re hopeful that this experience has benefited the students, especially the Year 13s in their final year. Photos to come soon!
I’d also like to welcome our new DP Teachers who have already made an excellent start to the year, both with our continuing and new students. Our new teachers are Ms. Reese Mattison (DP Visual Arts), Ms. Shinna Hutami (DP Chemistry), Mr. Alvince Adoyo (DP Mathematics and Chemistry), Mr Chris England (DP English A), Mr. Narinder Kumar (DP Physics) and Mr. Peter Park (DP Mathematics) I hope that you all get a chance to meet with them this term and make sure you arrange a time with them in our first Parent Teacher Student Conference, early Term 2.
I hope that everyone is doing well and please reach out if your child requires any support.
Kind regards,
On November 2nd, 2024, ACG School Jakarta celebrated Batik Day with vibrant colors and creativity, as students and staff proudly donned their finest batik attire. The day was not only a visual celebration but also a heartfelt connection with parents, who joined us for a special pottery workshop. Together, parents created various pottery pieces from glasses and cups to mugs and plates decorated with their own unique batik-inspired patterns.
The turnout exceeded expectations, with enthusiastic parents embracing the activity and showcasing their artistic flair. Each design was a testament to their creativity, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and cultural pride, leaving everyone excited for next year ’ s Batik Day celebration!
From October 1st to 3rd, 2024, ACG School
Jakarta’s Year 5 and Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable primary camp to Bandung. This enriching trip combined fun, learning, and cultural exploration, leaving everyone with cherished memories.
The adventure began with a thrilling ride on the Whoosh bullet train, transporting students and teachers to Bandung in just 40 minutes. Their first stop was Gedung Sate, where a knowledgeable guide shared the fascinating history of Bandung through artifacts, dioramas, and an engaging film. Students also explored the creativity and artistic expression of the Bandung community.
Next, they visited Saung Udjo, a cultural hub celebrating West Java’s rich traditions. Here, students marveled at performances featuring traditional puppets, dances, and music. They even had the chance to learn and play the Angklung, a traditional bamboo musical instrument, before joining in an energetic group dance alongside the Saung Udjo performers.
The day concluded with a visit to the Science and Technology Museum, where students not only admired the exhibits but also engaged in handson activities, trying out various scientific tools and experiments.
The second day was packed with activities in Alamendah Ciwidey. Students crafted batik designs using flowers and leaves, creating their unique patterns with enthusiasm. They also made traditional ice cream from scratch, savoring the delicious results of their hard work
The fun continued as students learned Pencak Silat, Indonesia’s traditional martial art, and created spinning tops, which they delighted in playing with afterward. Later, they visited Ranca Upas Deer Sanctuary, where they fed deer and smaller animals, like rabbits, while enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Throughout the camp, students stayed at the beautiful Grafika Cikole, a serene villa complex nestled in the lush greenery of Lembang. Its charming natural environment provided the perfect setting for relaxation and bonding after their action-packed days
The camp was a resounding success, filled with laughter, discovery, and teamwork. Students and teachers alike wished the experience could have lasted longer, as it was truly a highlight of the school year
From October 9th to 11th, 2024, ACG School Jakarta’s Year 7 to Year 12 students embarked on a thrilling and enriching camp in Malang, East Java The trip was packed with cultural exploration, exciting adventures, and cherished memories.
The journey began with an early morning flight, followed by a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Afterward, the group visited an art and cultural center in Malang, where they learned traditional Javanese dance, painted intricate masks, and played traditional musical instruments. The hands-on experience immersed the students in the beauty of Javanese heritage, sparking creativity and cultural appreciation.
On the second day, the students visited SMP Negeri 3 Malang, where they were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt hospitality. The students and teachers of SMP Negeri 3 showcased their talents through performances, including a choir, traditional dances, and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet theater). In return, ACG students shared their own performances, singing and dancing together, creating a vibrant and joyful exchange. The excitement continued with an exhilarating rafting adventure. Divided into small teams, the students paddled through the river, experiencing an adrenalinefilled ride. The combination of teamwork, laughter, and heart-pumping action made it an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
On the final day, the group woke up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Mount Bromo. Despite the early start, the students were awestruck by the stunning scenery and enjoyed the unique experience of traveling by Jeep through the rugged terrain. Before heading back, the group visited an apple plantation, where students handpicked fresh apples straight from the trees to take home. They also explored local souvenir shops, purchasing thoughtful gifts for their loved ones.
This year ’ s camp was not only a celebration of culture, adventure, and natural beauty but also a chance for students to connect, learn, and grow together. The memories created in Malang will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of everyone who attended, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next adventure.
On October 1st, ACG School Jakarta’s Year 4 students proudly hosted a Learning Showcase, inviting their parents to witness and celebrate their academic journey. The topic of the showcase was biology, focusing on the fascinating functions of body parts and organs.
During the event, students confidently presented their knowledge, sharing detailed explanations and insights about the human body. To make the session more interactive, they even prepared quizzes for their parents some of which turned out to be quite challenging! The lively exchange of knowledge and laughter made the event enjoyable for everyone. Parents and teachers alike were deeply impressed by the students’ confidence, understanding, and creativity. The showcase was not only a testament to the students’ hard work but also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the connection between school and home. It was a day of pride, learning, and shared joy for all involved.
Halloween at ACG School Jakarta was a vibrant celebration of creativity and community! Students across all year levels dressed in an array of imaginative costumes, from spooky to spectacular, transforming the school into a lively carnival of characters. The highlight of the day was the costume parade and carnival in the gym. Each class showcased their outfits with a fun dance and a grand walk around the gym, flaunting their costumes to the cheers of the entire school. The energy and enthusiasm were infectious, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
Adding to the excitement was the Best Door Competition, where homeroom teachers transformed classroom doors into captivating works of art. From eerie designs to intricate masterpieces, the decorated doors were a testament to the creativity and effort of the staff
For secondary students, the evening brought a more chilling vibe with a Halloween Movie Night Two films, Mama and Longlegs, were screened in the Drama Room and Gymnastics Room, creating a spooky yet cozy atmosphere. Complete with popcorn, drinks, and ice cream, it was the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the Halloween spirit.
The event was a fantastic mix of fun, creativity, and community bonding, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year ’ s Halloween celebration!